Final answer:
Punishment is the consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behavior, in contrast to reinforcement, which increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for a consequence that decreases the likelihood that a behavior will occur is punishment whereas reinforcement serves to increase the probability a behavior will be repeated. In the context of operant conditioning coined by B.F. Skinner, two types of reinforcement—positive and negative—work to increase behaviors. Alternatively punishment which can also be positive or negative, aims to decrease the likelihood of a behavior.
Positive punishment involves adding an undesirable consequence after an unwanted behavior like scolding to reduce that behavior. On the other hand negative punishment involves removing a desirable stimulus like taking away a favorite toy to reduce unwanted behavior. Both types serve to make a behavior less likely to happen in the future.